Wolfe will sign copies of his books until 7:30 p.m., when a discussion of his book "The Shadow of the Torturer" will begin. This is a joint event between the Friends of NIU Libraries and the DeKalb Public Library Science Fiction Book Club.

Composers Concert

Time: 8 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, April 3

Place: Northern Illinois University Music Building Recital Hall

Free concert featuring instrumental and vocal music by NIU faculty and student composers. Most works will be performed publicly for the first time.

Walk With Water

Time: 2 – 5 p.m.

Date: Thursday, April 4

Place: MLK Commons, Northern Illinois University

More information: www.tdsnfp.org

Walkers ask donors to sponsor them as they walk laps around the commons carrying up to 5 gallons of water, in sympathy with the hardships faced by Tanzanian children who must walk miles each day to collect water for their families. Proceeds benefit Tanzanian Development Support.

An opening reception for "OBJECTIVE/SUBJECTIVE: Mapping as Visual Language," on display through May 24.

Free Running Clinic

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Thursday, April 4

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Whether you are an avid runner or thinking about starting, learn from local fitness experts offering information, demonstrations, samples and raffles. Presentation topics include New Runners, Nutrition, Maximizing Performance and Beyond Running. Registration is required.

Learn about preschool and kindergarten programs. Enrollment is currently open.

Classical Conversations Informational Meetings

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Thursdays, April 4 and 18

Place: Panera Bread

More information: throwerls@gmail.com

Classical Conversations is a community of home-school families who teach following a classical model and biblical worldview. Informational meetings are for families interested in learning more about home-schooling or the group.

'The Caucasian Chalk Circle'

Time: 7:30 p.m. weeknights and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Dates: April 4 – 7 and 10 – 14

Place: Stevens Building Players Theatre, Northern Illinois University

Tickets: Adults $16, seniors $13, students $8

More information: 815-753-1600 or www.niu.edu/theatre

Class warfare, child custody and personal courage are a few of the themes touched upon in this Bertolt Brecht play based on the Biblical tale of King Solomon and the baby.

Blues Gone Wild

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: First Thursday of each month; next, April 4

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

More information: 815-787-9547 or http://thehousecafe.net

Monthly blues jam. Come to listen or to play. All-ages show.

Rock Against Rape

Time: 8 – 11 p.m.

Date: Thursday, April 4

Place: Diversions Lounge, Holmes Student Center

Local musicians perform in a concert that inspires and rocks against sexual assault. Old cell phones and cell-phone equipment will be collected for donation to the national headquarters for rape crisis centers.

Finn Hall History

Time: 7 – 9 p.m.

Date: Friday, April 5

Place: DeKalb Area Women's Center, 1021 State St.

RSVP: 815-758-1351 or dawc@niu.edu

A panel discussion of the research by sociology professors and graduate students from Northern Illinois University that led to historic landmark status for Majakka Hall, the Finnish Temperance Society meeting hall in old DeKalb's "Finn Town."

DEF Comedy Night

Time: 8 p.m.

Date: Friday, April 5

Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Tickets: $25

More information: www.egyptiantheatre.org

ComedySportz will showcase the improvisational talents of the longest-running improv group in Chicago. There will be lots of audience participation; unlike past years, there will not be silent or live auctions. Doors open at 7 p.m. A cash bar will be available in the lobby. Proceeds benefit the DeKalb Education Foundation.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: First Saturday of each month; next, April 6

Place: City lot 3, corner of Grove and South Fourth streets

Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.

Welcome Cafe & Community Kitchen

Time: 10 a.m. – noon

Date: Saturday, April 6

Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.

Pay-what-you-can brunch. Those unable to pay can eat for free. There will be job information from Illinois WorkNet. Transportation is offered from Golden Years Plaza, Safe Passage, Hope Haven, Dresser Court, Eden's Garden and University Village. Transportation will leave Golden Years and Safe Passage at 10 a.m. and all other locations between 10:15 and 10:30.

'Mapping: An Artmaking Adventure'

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Dates: April 6, 13 and 20

Place: Northern Illinois University Art Museum

More information: 815-753-1936 or hgreen2@niu.edu

A workshop for children ages 9 to 12. Space is limited; registration is required.

Lakota Drum Circle

Time: 12:30 p.m.

Date: Sunday, April 7

Place: Unitarian Universalist Church, 158 N. Fourth St.

More information: dkenney53@hotmail.com

An authentic Lakota drum circle will perform ceremonial songs and talk briefly about the meaning and significance of the songs.

Art Exhibit Opening Reception

Time: 2 – 4 p.m.

Date: Sunday, April 7

Place: The Art Box, 308 E. Lincoln Highway

More information: 815-758-0313 or dan@dekalbgallery.com

Opening reception for the photo exhibit "Journeys: Near and Far."

Spring Steel Pan Concert

Time: 3 p.m.

Date: Sunday, April 7

Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, NIU Music Building

More information: 815-753-1546 or lslater@niu.edu

Free concert by the NIU Steelband and All University Steelband, featuring guest Robert Greenidge. It will also be streamed live at www.niu.edu/music.

Answers to Questions About Diabetes

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, April 9

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-3962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Discuss your questions with a certified diabetes nurse and dietitian educators. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date. Bring questions or email them in advance to diabeteseducators@kishhospital.org.

4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care's annual meeting begins with a half-hour of socializing, then dinner at 6 p.m.

'Maps: From Geography and Navigation to Art and Consumption'

Time: 5 – 6 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, April 24

Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315

Guest speakers James R. Akerman and Diane Dillon from the Newberry Library in Chicago will deliver a comprehensive lecture on cartography.

GENOA

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Wednesdays; next, March 27

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.

Easter Egg Hunt

Time: 10 a.m. for children 4 and younger; 10:30 a.m. for children 5 and older

Date: Saturday, March 30

Place: Chamberlain Park

Sponsored by the Genoa Township Park District.

Bingo

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Every Tuesday; next, April 2

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Date: First Saturday of each month; next, April 6

Place: City Hall east lot

Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.

Russell Hustle 5k and Fun Run

Time: Check-in at 7:30 a.m.; 5k at 9 a.m.; 2k at 10 a.m.

Date: Saturday, April 13

Place: Russell Woods Forest Preserve

Cost: $25 before March 31; $30 after

The 5k run travels trails through native timber and prairie along the Kishwaukee River. Some trails are rustic and have steep inclines. The 2k run/walk travels flat, even trails through the woods. Run goes on rain or shine. There will be a water stop at the halfway point of both trails.

Bunco for Breast Cancer

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Saturday, April 13

Place: Oak Club

Tickets: $30

Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., with bunco beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Speciality Gifts, 133 W. Main St. Space is limited and tickets will not be sold the day of the event. The event includes a light supper and 19 raffle baskets.

Cub Scout Pack 117 Spring Round-Up

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, April 18

Place: Davenport Elementary School cafeteria

More information: 815-342-8137

Boys in first through fifth grade are invited to learn about Cub Scouting from current scouts and leaders.

Line Dancing

Time: 7 – 11:30 p.m.

Date: Third Friday of every month; next, April 19

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Cost: $5

Line dancing by dancers' request. Split floor for couple dances and line dances.

Hymn Sing

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Third Sunday of every month; next, April 21

Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.

HINCKLEY

Community Trivia Night

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, April 10

Place: Hinckley-Big Rock High School

Teams of up to five members are invited to compete in a trivia battle. Register by emailing a list of players, with designated captain, to hbr.academicbowl@gmail.com by April 8.

Game Night for Grown-Ups

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, April 12

Place: Hinckley Community Building

More information: 815-286-3220

Anyone 16 or older is invited to play games. Bring a favorite game or come to learn a new one.

Kindergarten Round-Up

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, April 18

Place: Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School

More information: 815-286-3400

All children who will attend kindergarten at H-BR this fall and their parents can meet the teachers and see the classrooms in this open house. Those who have already registered will be assigned a time to stop by; those who have not registered can arrive at any time during the hour. Those unable to attend should call the school.

Historical Society Dinner & Auction

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, April 20

Place: Hinckley-Big Rock High School

Tickets: $20

More information: 815-286-7437 or 815-286-7992

Silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Dinner includes pork medallions, bacon-wrapped chicken, baked potato, salad, roll and cheesecake. Proceeds support the Hinckley Historical Society. Tickets are available at the historical society museum, Resource Bank, Hinckley Public Library, Jack and Jina's BP, South Moon BBQ and from society members.

KINGSTON

Taste of Girl Scouts

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Thursday, April 18

Place: Kingston Friendship Center, 120 S. Main St.

More information: 815-970-3875

Girls who will be in the Genoa-Kingston or Kirkland Hiawatha school districts this fall are invited to see what Girl Scouts is all about. There will be information and activities for scouting levels from kindergarten through 12th grade, snacks and a take-home information packet.

KIRKLAND

Last Supper Reenactment

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, March 28

Place: First Lutheran Church, 510 W. South St.

More information: 815-522-3886

Men of the congregation will portray the apostles and the Rev. Carl Rasmussen will play Jesus in this dramatization. The service will include individual absolution and confession and Holy Communion. The public is invited.

Children in fourth grade and younger are invited to bring their parents for a daddy/daughter/mother/son dance sponsored by the Kirkland Youth and Community Organization. Advance tickets recommended; space is limited. Call for tickets.

MALTA

'Far As the Eye Can See'

Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, April 11

Place: Kishwaukee College Jenkins Auditorium

A free performance of Pippa White's one-woman show that brings to life the prairie and its people: the pioneers who crossed and later settled it, the brave people of the Dust Bowl, the Native Americans who struggled to keep it.

'The Story of the Orphan Train'

Time: 7 – 9 p.m.

Date: Thursday, April 11

Place: Kishwaukee College Jenkins Auditorium

A free performance of Pippa White's one-woman show on the history of the orphan train. Fending for themselves on the streets of New York, between 200,000 and 500,000 homeless children were given a chance at a new life by taking the orphan train to the Midwest in search of new families.

MAPLE PARK

March Madness Raffle

Time: 6 – 9 p.m.

Date: Saturday, April 6

Place: Bootlegger's, 107 Main St.

Tickets: $5 each or five for $20

Winners of the grand prize – a Vizio 42-inch LCD HD smart TV with Wi-Fi – and second prize – Wii U Deluxe –will be drawn at halftime of the second game. Need not be present to win. There will be other raffles throughout the night, including a 50/50 raffle and raffles for meat, gift certificates and cash. Proceeds benefit St. Mary of the Assumption Church.

SYCAMORE

Bingo

Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15

Date: Every Wednesday; next, March 27

Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.

Flashlight Egg Hunt

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, March 28

Place: Sycamore Park Golf Course

Cost: Residents $10, nonresidents $15

More information: 815-895-3202 or www.sycamoreparkdistrict.com

An after-dark egg hunt and an evening of crafts, treats and more. Each child will go home with a bag for their eggs, craft projects and, of course, eggs. All ages. Registration required.

Registration recommended. For those who do not register, breakfast is not guaranteed, and photos with the Easter Bunny will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will be finished in time for the Sycamore Police Department egg hunt, at 10 a.m. at the park district's Good Tymes shelter.

STEM Exploration Lab

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Date: Saturday, March 30

Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.

Cost: Members $8, nonmembers $10

More information: 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org

The museum will be filled with dozens of hands-on science exhibits and interactive demonstrations, including fun with mirrors, magnets, static and lasers.

DeKalb County Farmland Foundation Annual Meeting

Time: 10 a.m.

Date: Saturday, March 30

Place: Hy-Vee meeting room

Agenda includes adoption of new organizational bylaws and election of the board of directors.

Easter Egg Hunt

Time: After the 10 a.m. worship service

Date: Sunday, March 31

Place: Federated Church

More information: 815-895-2706

The community is welcome to join the egg hunt.

Toddler Time

Time: 10 a.m.

Date: Tuesdays through April 23; next, April 2

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Story time for children 18 months to 3 years old with a caregiver.

Story Time

Time: 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays

Date: Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 25; next, April 3

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Story time for independent 3- to 5-year-olds. Caregivers do not stay in the room for story time but must remain in the library.

The county clerk's and circuit clerk's offices will host free shredding of sensitive documents. There is no identity check and no limit on documents.

Spring Wine Tasting

Time: 1 – 5 p.m.

Date: Saturday, April 6

Place: Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St.

Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

More information: lundeenliquors1@aol.com

Sample a variety of wines and appetizers and receive a take-home wine glass.

Book Quest

Time: 2 – 3 p.m.

Date: Sunday, April 7

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Children in third through fifth grade are invited to share stories they have written.

Career Works: Jump Start Your Job Search

Time: 2 p.m.

Dates: Second Monday of each month; next, April 8

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Each month, a different speaker presents ideas to help with job searching. There is also time to network with other searchers.

Tale Weavers: Rapunzel

Time: 4 – 5 p.m.

Date: Monday, April 8

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Storyteller Bruce Wallace will tell the story of Rapunzel, and Linda Braun will then read a Rapunzel book from the library's collection. Snack, craft and discussion finish the hour. No registration required.

Community Flea Market

Time: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Date: Saturday, April 13

Place: St. Mary Parish Activity Center, 322 Waterman St.

Cost: Free to attend, $20 for booth space

More information: 815-895-3726, ext. 2

Booth space of 10-by-10 feet is available for $20. Tables can be rented for an additional $5 on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone can rent space to sell items such as crafts, direct-sales products or garage-sale items. Proceeds benefit a high school youth group mission trip through St. Mary's.

Dia de los Ninos

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Date: Saturday, April 13

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Families are invited to see a traditional Filipino dance at 11 a.m. and traditional Mexican dances at 2 p.m. The event also includes cookies, punch and activities celebrating literacy and diversity.

Place: Walk begins at the Sycamore High School Fieldhouse and ends at the DeKalb County Courthouse, weather permitting

Cost: $15

More information: 815-758-8616 ext. 208

The Children's Advocacy Center hosts this walk to raise awareness of child abuse and to raise funds to support the center's programs.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Third Saturday of each month; next, April 20

Place: Public Works Building, 475 N. Cross St.

Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.

radKIDS Self-Defense Workshop

Time: Elementary school students 2 – 3 p.m.; middle and high school students 3:15 – 4:15 p.m.

Date: Saturday, April 20

Place: Kishwaukee Family YMCA

Cost: $5

More information: www.kishymca.org

This Resisting Aggression Defensively program teaches boys and girls how to stand up for themselves and others. Parents can accompany children at no additional cost. The workshop includes identifying and avoiding potentially dangerous situations, bully prevention and self-protection strategies and techniques. Students should wear comfortable clothes and gym shoes. Registration is required; space is limited.

LEGO Day at the Library

Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Date: Sunday, April 21

Place: Sycamore Public Library

For all ages; children should be accompanied by an adult. Play and build with LEGOs in the children's department. LEGOs are provided; do not bring LEGOs from home.

Spectacular Sound Show

Time: 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, April 24

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Discovery Center of Rockford presents a series of auditory science experiments in this show. Hear metal rods sing, visualize vibrations, watch fire dance to music and get an earful of a really loud boom.

Spring Fishing Derby

Time: 8 a.m.

Date: Saturday, April 27

Place: Lake Sycamore, at the end of North Cross Street

Cost: Residents $4, nonresidents $5

More information: 815-895-3202 or www.sycamoreparkdistrict.com

Door prizes and prizes for first and second place. Competitors must be registered by 9:30 a.m. Advance registration recommended.

Mother-Son Date Night

Time: 4 – 6 p.m.

Date: Sunday, April 28

Place: Four Seasons Sports, 1745 DeKalb Ave.

Cost: Residents $22, nonresidents $27

More information: 815-895-3202 or www.sycamoreparkdistrict.com

Boys ages 5 to 9 and their moms can have a night of pizza and bowling with the park district. Everyone receives a participation award and photo. Registration required by April 22.

WATERMAN

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Thursdays; next, March 28

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.

Old Fat Guy Idol

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Saturday, April 20

Place: Pub West, 100 E. Adams St.

More information: www.oldfatguyidol.com

Larry Meredith, Chuck Wesenberg and Bob Strausberger, Waterman High School alumni and longtime friends, will each sing, and the audience will vote for their favorite singer by putting money in his donation jar. The singer who collects the most money wins. Donations benefit the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk to End Breast Cancer. The evening includes raffles, food and live music all evening.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Fourth Saturday of even-numbered months; next, April 27

Place: City lot on Route 30

Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.